IOWA FALLS — The South Hamilton boys cross country team had a strong showing here last Thursday at the Iowa Falls-Alden Invitational led by Hayden Hill and Jesus Garcia.

Hill, a returning runner for the Hawks, finished first overall while Garcia, competing in his first 5K, placed fifth. South Hamilton was eighth overall in the field.

Hill took almost 21 seconds off his time trial performance from the preseason, while Garcia went from a 19:06 to an 18:36 in his debut.

Rounding out the list of runners was Kaden Greenlee in 94th, Evan Gibson in 95th, Mason Roethler in 100th, Sterling Dietzel in 101st, Trevor Zanker in 112th and Caden Christensen in 121st.

“Everyone ran well,” South Hamilton boys head coach Robyn Reisetter said. “Hayden had a big PR. We are looking forward to making more improvements throughout the season.”

The Hawk girls were at the same invite, placing ninth overall. Olivia Beaune turned in a time of 23:46 to finish in 26th while Cici Herrick was 42nd in 25:21.

Also running for South Hamilton were Bianca Seaton (59th), Rosemary Chamness (72nd), Isabel Swenson (75th), Kayley Zanker (80th), Laurel Johnson (101st) and Vivian Swenson (105th).

“We had a good start to our season, seeing improved times from our time trial,” South Hamilton girls head coach Emily Bochmann said. “Olivia, Isabel, Rosemary and Vivian all improved their times against some strong competition.

“We are seeing our runners put in the work in practice and look forward to seeing them grow throughout this season.”

The Hawks return to action on Tuesday in Webster City.